EP Review: Anielle Reid 'Ain't Like 'Em'

Album Artwork: Jensine Eckwall

Singer-songwriter and banjoist Anielle Reid recently released a seven track collection called Ain’t Like 'Em, which was recorded at Little Pioneer Cider House in Brooklyn, NY. The project’s songs, highlighting the ever loved and respected banjo, were all penned by Reid. They range from folky to pop to a more gothic feel and show Reid’s versatility and skill as a songwriter as well as the range of the banjo (which many simply associate with bluegrass music).

“Someday,” a song about becoming smarter and finally realizing the time is now, rather than “someday,” to leave an unfulfilling relationship, kicks things off. “I’m happy now /Without you in my way/It’s been a good time/We’re better off this way.” In the same vein is the mid-tempo “Better” in which she sings without regret, “I gave it up ‘cause I dreamed for better things and you weren't one.”

With its pop-folk sensibilities and harmonies, “Secrets” has somber lyrics that contrast the breezy melody. That is followed by the title track which finds the banjo contributing to an ominous atmosphere in an almost cautionary tale about one’s destiny while “Morality” provides an insightful, truthful look into how sometimes doing the right thing will get you nowhere.

The EP also includes two bonus tracks, “Cottage White” and “Shadow.” The former, with its incredibly catchy melody, finds her adult self challenging the dreams of her youth “When I was younger I made this all my dream/But now that I'm in it I wish I could just leave” while the utterly sad “Shadow” looks at a woman, “disabled by love,” unable to be herself, but too afraid to move on. It’s a striking ending to an EP filled with honesty and individuality.

Ain’t Like 'Em proves Reid, like that banjo, is in a class by herself.

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